Dental Emergencies for Kids: What Parents Need to Know

Parents strive to keep our children safe and healthy. However, accidents can happen. Dental emergencies can be very stressful if you don’t know what to do. Here’s what you need to know about dental emergencies for kids.

Common Dental Emergencies

Children are often active and adventurous, which can sometimes lead to accidents involving their teeth and mouth. Common dental emergencies for kids include:

• knocked-out teeth
• broken or chipped teeth
• severe toothaches
• injuries to the gums or mouth

Immediate Steps to Take

In case of a dental emergency, it’s crucial to remain calm and take prompt action. If your child has a knocked-out tooth, gently rinse it with water (without scrubbing), and try to place it back into the socket. If that’s not possible, store the tooth in a container of milk and seek dental care immediately.

For other injuries or severe toothaches, rinse the mouth with warm water, apply a cold compress to reduce swelling, and contact your pediatric dentist as soon as possible.

Preventing Dental Emergencies for Kids

While you can’t always prevent accidents, there are steps parents can take to reduce the risk of dental emergencies. Encourage your child to wear a mouthguard while participating in sports or recreational activities. Also, be mindful of potential hazards around the house, such as hard candies, popcorn kernels, and ice.

Adams & Seaton Pediatric Dentistry Is There for You

In any dental emergency in Nashville, it’s essential to seek professional care from a Nashville pediatric dentist promptly. If your child has a dental emergency during our regular office hours, you should call us immediately. When the office is closed, our doctors, Dr. Adams and Dr. Seaton are on call. You can call to speak directly with one of the doctors without having to go through an answering service.